Four New Accused Sent to 10-Day NIA Custody as Red Fort Blast Probe Widens to ‘White-Collar’ Network
New Delhi, Nov 20 — The investigation into the Red Fort car blast moved into a deeper phase on Thursday after a Delhi court sent four newly arrested accused to 10 days of NIA custody, allowing the agency to expand its probe into what it now identifies as a white-collar terror module.
The National Investigation Agency produced the four — Dr. Muzammil Shakeel Ganai, Dr. Adeel Ahmed Rather, Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, and Dr. Shaheen Saeed — before the Patiala House Court, stating that their custodial interrogation was crucial for understanding the planning, communication, and financing behind the November 10 explosion near the Red Fort Metro station.
The court accepted the request, saying the agency needs time to examine evidence collected from multiple locations and to confront the accused with one another.
Six Arrests, One Common Pattern
With these arrests, the total number of people held in the case rises to six.
The NIA had earlier detained Amir Rashid Ali, who arranged the car used in the blast, and Jasir Bilal Wani, who allegedly handled the technical aspects of the operation.
What stands out in the expanding list of accused is the profile of the individuals. Several are medical professionals or involved in formal institutions — a factor that investigators say signals a more organised and educated group rather than a fringe cell.
Officials describe it as a case where professional backgrounds were used to mask extremist behaviour, leading them to term it white-collar terror.
Custody to Focus on Links, Network, and Motive
During the 10-day remand, the NIA will examine:
how the accused knew each other,
the division of responsibilities in the planning of the blast,
their financial and digital trails,
and whether they were connected to a larger group or external handlers.
Investigators also want clarity on the procurement of explosive materials and the extent of coordination across states, including Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh.
Background to the Case
The blast on November 10 involved a Hyundai i20 car fitted with high-grade explosives that detonated near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station.
The incident caused 12 casualties and triggered a high-alert in the capital, leading to a full takeover of the investigation by the NIA.
Probe Still Expanding
Officials say the arrests over the past week indicate that the conspiracy may be broader than initially suspected.
More questioning, digital forensics, and financial tracking are underway, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
With the four accused now in NIA custody till the end of the month, the agency is expected to piece together a clearer view of how the group operated and what it planned beyond the Red Fort blast.
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